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Body image and dieting behaviors among elite figure skaters
Author(s) -
Ziegler Paula J.,
Khoo Chor San,
Sherr Bonnie,
Nelson Judith A.,
Larson Wendy M.,
Drewnowski Adam
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-108x(199812)24:4<421::aid-eat9>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - dieting , menarche , psychology , athletes , medicine , environmental health , demography , gerontology , physical therapy , obesity , endocrinology , weight loss , sociology
Objective This study explored links among body image, dieting behavior, and nutritional status among 40 nationally ranked junior figure skaters. Method Questionnaires were provided to 40 junior skaters (range 12.9–22.9 years) during a skaters' camp. Food intakes were recorded over 4 consecutive days and blood samples were drawn. Nutritional status was assessed using food intake records and selected biomarker data. Results Data suggested that these athletes dieted despite relative satisfaction with body image. Although biochemical measures of nutritional status were all within normal range, inadequate energy intakes and delayed menarche (in women) were widespread in this athlete sample. Discussion Data dispute common theories of dieting being linked to dissatisfaction with body image. The article also cautions against overreliance on biochemical assessment as a marker of nutritional inadequacy. © 1998 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 24: 421–427, 1998.